Electromagnetism – Deriving the Lorentz Force from Velocity Dependent Potential

electromagnetismforceslagrangian-formalismpotentialpotential energy

We can achieve a simplified version of the Lorentz force by
$$F=q\bigg[-\nabla(\phi-\mathbf{A}\cdot\mathbf{v})-\frac{d\mathbf{A}}{dt}\bigg],$$
where $\mathbf{A}$ is the magnetic vector potential and the scalar $\phi$ the electrostatic potential.

How is this derivable from a velocity-dependent potential
$$U=q\phi-q\mathbf{A}\cdot\mathbf{v}?$$

I fail to see how the total derivative of $\mathbf{A}$ can be disposed of and the signs partially reversed. I'm obviously missing something.

Best Answer

Velocity-dependent potential is not strictly a potential. Lagrange equations say that

$$\frac{d}{dt}\frac{\partial L}{\partial \bf{v}} = \frac{\partial L}{\partial \bf{r}}$$

You have $L = L_0 - U$ where $L_0$ corresponds to free motion (e.g. $L_0 = mv^2/2$ or $L_0 = -mc^2\sqrt{1-(v/c)^2}$).

If $U$ does not contain $\bf{v}$ you have ${\partial L}/{\partial \bf{v}} = \bf{p}$ and so $\dot{\bf{p}} = -\nabla U$.

In this case, however $U$ contains $\bf{v}$ so on the you have

$$\frac{d}{dt}\left({\bf{p}} + q\bf{A}\right) = -\nabla U$$